Major refurbishment completed at Leitrim boathouse to serve local community
The upgraded boathouse will provide a new base for the North West Canoe Club and several local community groups in Kinlough.
Works have now been completed on the boathouse in Kinlough, which has been extended and fully refurbished.
The boathouse will be used by the North West Canoe Club, along with other local community groups and organisations such as Four Masters National School and the Men’s Shed. The new facility includes toilets, a kitchen and a meeting room.
The project received funding in June of last year under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), which supports the enhancement of outdoor amenities including walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.
A total of €198,900 was allocated under this funding in June 2024 for the upgrading, extension and repurposing of the old boathouse.
Local councillor Justin Warnock welcomed the development, saying on social media, “I am delighted to say another project delivered for our community and for all the members of the North West Canoe Club and many other groups locally.
“A big thanks to the Committee of the Canoe Club who have fundraised for this project and have worked with myself and Kinlough Community Development Company Ltd to make this happen.”
He also thanked Leitrim County Council and Minister Dara Calleary for their “commitment” to the project.
“Thanks to Cormac McGurren Construction for the excellent work carried out. Also thanks to Martin McLoughlin, the architect, for his grand design.
“This facility is now the official home for the Kayak Club, where they can continue to deliver water sports to the young and not so young members,” he added.
The kayak club will host a free open day event for all on Monday, June 1, from 1pm to 4pm.
“It will also be used by the Four Masters NS, the pre-schools, the members of the community garden, the Men's Shed and others,” concluded Cllr Warnock.